How do pumpkins grow?

[nackzucow]

I am trying to grow pumpkins. Last year I failed, so this year i need advice.

I have grown pumpkins from seeds, I used an electric propagator to start growth. It got to 2.5-3inchs tall with 2 large broad leaves I planted them out 5 days ago they haven't died yet so, so far so good. What kind of care do they need? I am an amateur gardener and all I know is they need swamping with water and full direct sunlight for the majority of the day.

Can anyone give me any helpful tips or advice and try and explain the steps of growth to me?

Thanks

[Pies]

They start of growing quick then they grow faster and faster

They do n ot like the cold at all,give them lots of food,water and warmth and you can watch them grow

[bearded bloke]

Keep a big cloche/fleece cover handy,put it over the plant if there is a chance of frost or a cold wind.

[rustylady]

Whereabouts are you Nackzucow? I think you've planted your pumpkin out far too soon, but I suppose what is done is done.

The two broad leaves are the seed leaves. Pumpkins are normally sown in 3" pots to germinate, then grown on in these till the roots fill the pot. Then potted on into 5" pots, grown on further and hardened off before planting into open ground.

[horticultural_hobbit]

Pumpkins grow like triffids. I've only ever managed to get one to Crop, and that was through sheer fluke. He was called Bruno . You will find lots and lots of bit on here about them.

They are greedy feeders, like all squashes. Between now and the last of your local frost, it will need protecting. Others wise it will be good night Vienna. You may observe girl flowers and boy flowers, these will need to shake hands at the appropriate time. Unless its a F1 thingy.

Good luck!

[greenishfing]

I used to grow pumpkins for my nieces for Halloween. They definitely like warmth. A frost or cold wind will kill them but once they get going there's no stopping them. My main problem was even if I bought seeds that were supposed to give small pumpkins they used to turn into monsters.

[Two_Sheds]

It's too early to be planting them outside yet, plus you MUST harden them off for 7-10 days

Mine are in the gh, 2" tall.

[ugley_matt]

Mine are about the same size but noticed the leaves looking slightly yellow, why would this be? I've kept them in a unheated conservatory and the compost looks moist.

[horticultural_hobbit]

Could be stress, or they some nutrients, perhaps.

Mine will be making a transition from the classroom window sills to the 4TB in the next couple of weeks, so that they can go out towards the end of May. Are just starting to get their first proper leaf. I don't think the bottle cloche idea that I had is going to work now, as they are getting their first leaf.

[rustylady]

Mine are about the same size but noticed the leaves looking slightly yellow, why would this be? I've kept them in a unheated conservatory and the compost looks moist.

What size pots are they in Matt? And it's no good thinking the compost "looks" moist. Lift the pot and feel how heavy it is.

[ugley_matt]

They are in 3 inch pots. wonder if i should move them up slightly as i hadn't planned on moving them out for a bit yet.

[rustylady]

5" pots Matt, that should do them till you're ready to plant out.

[dandalady]

make sure you harden them off

[horticultural_hobbit]

Think mine are going into the 4TB to lurk for a while.

[nackzucow]

Hi Rustylady, I live in South Yorkshire, we had a glorious Bank holiday and the forecast was due to carry on being lovely but after Tuesday the weather turned naff, and it is now raining, like you said what is done is done. I shall put a clotch over it and also start growing some more indoors, it's a good job I saved some!

What is a 4TB?